Earlier: At least one person has been seriously injured following a collision on the M18 in Co Clare.

The incident occurred at around 12.50pm at the exit to junction 13 near Ennis and is believed to have involved a van and articulated lorry.

The van left the road and crashed into a light pole before overturning on its side trapping the driver inside. The truck driver is not believed to have been injured.

Gardaí were first to arrive at the scene and were quickly followed by an ambulance as well as three units of the fire brigade from Ennis. Additional units of the fire service from Shannon Town were also mobilised to the incident.

The M18 motorway was closed at junction 14 (Barefield) southbound to junction 12 (Killoo/Clarecastle) was closed for a time. Later, garda motorcyclists escorted small numbers vehicles slowly passed the scene.

There is however no access to the on ramp at junction 13 for traffic travelling towards Shannon and Limerick.

TRAFFIC: There is NO access to the on ramp at J13 (Tulla Road) Ennis for traffic travelling southbound towards Shannon and Limerick. Emergency services remain at the scene of a serious collision.

Chief Reporter Pat Flynn has worked as a journalist for almost 30 years. His career began during the late 1980s when, like many aspiring radio presenters of the time, he worked for local pirate radio stations in Clare and Limerick.
Pat joined Clare FM in 1990 where he worked as researcher initially and later presented several different programmes including the station's flagship current affairs programme.
He was also the station's News Editor and Deputy Controller of Programmes. Despite leaving in 2003 to pursue a career as a freelance journalist, he continues to work with the station to this day.
As well as being the Clare Herald’s Chief Reporter Pat is also freelance journalist and broadcaster, contributing to Ireland’s national newspapers and is a regular contributor to national broadcasters.